Pipe Cleaner Ring Drop
Purpose
This fun activity targets the precise hand skills needed for drawing and writing. Bending the pipe cleaners builds strong intrinsic hand muscles. Pushing the stiff rings through a narrow slot encourages controlled force and precision. Since your child must hold the container steady with one hand while the other hand works, this activity also greatly improves bilateral coordination and hand stability.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Adult Prep: Use the scissors to cut a strip of construction paper that fits over the container opening. Secure this paper firmly with masking tape.
- Adult Prep: Cut one very narrow, tight slit (about 1.5 inches long) in the center of the secured paper strip to create a resistant mail slot.
- Give your child the pipe cleaners. Encourage them to use both hands to bend and twist each pipe cleaner into a tight, stiff ring or loop.
- Ask your child to hold the prepared container firmly with their helper hand to keep it stable on the table.
- Pick up one stiff pipe cleaner ring. Challenge your child to thread the ring straight through the narrow, resistant slit using a strong, controlled push.
- Repeat this process until all the loops have successfully been dropped inside the container.
Safety Tip:
Pipe cleaners are a choking hazard if ingested. Constant, direct adult supervision is required. Ensure any cut or broken ends are collected immediately as they may be sharp.
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